Gum infection increases your risk of developing heart disease by up to three times

Gum infections are often overlooked. Especially if the symptoms are just a sensation of pain and swelling. In fact, inflammation of the gums that is already severe has the risk of causing chronic disease in other parts of the body which may be fatal. Here's the explanation.

Disease complications that may arise due to gum infection

Chronic gum infection, aka periodontitis, can initially cause damage to the soft tissue and bones that support the teeth. The most common complications are swollen, festering gums, receding gums, until the teeth fall out on their own. If allowed to continue untreated, the entry of bacteria into the tissue in the gums can invade other organs in the body. Some of the complications of gum infections that can occur are:

1.Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

Chronic acute ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is one of the earliest complications of gum infection. ANUG has a high risk of occurring in people who already have gum infections but still rarely brush their teeth and ignore a healthy lifestyle.

The symptoms are certainly more severe than ordinary gum disease, namely:

• The gums recede, causing the teeth to appear longer than before; the root of the tooth is clearly visible.
• Permanent open sores on the gums (ulcers).
• Tooth rocking until it breaks.
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Bleeding gums.

2. Heart disease and stroke

Periodontitis infection increases your risk by up to 3 times of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease. Dr. Hatice Hasturk, a dentist from the Forsyth Institute, revealed that this risk is caused by the buildup of plaque that can enter the blood vessels in the gums through the holes in the teeth.

Dental plaque usually consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other food waste substances. The plaque can escape from the teeth or gums and then drain the arteries and clog them. This condition of blockage of the arteries is called atherosclerosis, which is the most common cause of coronary heart disease. The more severe gum disease is, the higher the risk of heart disease and stroke that can occur.

3. Pneumonia

Quoted from the Telegraph, the Dental Health Foundation reports that one of the complications of gum infection to watch out for is lung infection or pneumonia.

The mechanism is the same as the risk of heart disease above. The bacteria in the gums can flow in the blood vessels and reach the lungs to infect them. When you breathe through the mouth, the bad bacteria that cause periodontitis can also be inhaled into the throat to the lungs.

If you experience swollen and bleeding gums that won't heal, then immediately consult the nearest dentist. Especially if you start to feel pneumonia symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Immediately consult yourself to the nearest general practitioner.

4. Complications in pregnancy

Pregnant women who have gum infections but do not treat them thoroughly are at risk of triggering various complications in their pregnancy. Especially if you are waiting for the symptoms to increase first and then seek treatment.

Complications due to gum infection that can occur in pregnant women are premature birth and low birth weight (LBW). Again, this is caused by the entry of gingivitis-causing bacteria into the bloodstream until it reaches the fetus in the womb through the placenta.

That is why it is very important to check your teeth before becoming pregnant in order to maintain the health of your future fetus. The sooner, the better.

The key is to maintain oral and dental hygiene every day

All of the above risks can be avoided by regularly brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste, eating less sweet foods, and regularly checking your teeth at the doctor.

If you are already experiencing symptoms of gum infection, immediately consult a dentist to get the right treatment.